As far as capital markets (both debt and equity) is concerned, it is a given that beside CAM and prolly Indus, S&R is the gold standard as far as deal making and execution is concerned. Coming to the recruitment, from what I have observed is that it is difficult to make it since its either a nerd from a top tier Indian law school or an average chap that did their masters from a foreign law school which fit their hiring puzzle. However, the firm is mostly if not always merit based in its modus operandi unlike the other "Tier 1s" where kids of the clientele and/or partner references play a huge role in getting through the door. Pay across all levels is equivalent to the big 7s and the mentorship is great since it follows the AZB model where A0s are also made to understand the granular details of the deal instead of doing mindless diligence in their formative years.

If given a chance to work/intern there, close your eyes and go for it. I regret taking up SAM while having a lateral shift opportunity at S&R.

Best of luck!

I agree. While the people there were well meaning and professional but they sorely lacked the human side. I learnt a lot from my time there and applied it in my next job to earn plaudits. Lets just say I dont miss the lack of (unspoken) hierarchy and the crazy time spent perfecting unnecessary stuff. I feel sad for the people who go there and remain there all their lives, not knowing what the world is like outside. Frogs of the well.

That is very well put. Not every workplace is for everyone. While it is true that you need to be very very very passionate about being a corporate lawyer to survive there, you also need to always say yes to whatever the partner is asking. You cannot have any original approach to anything. Just do what the partners tell you and don't go about presenting them with your ideas, they don't have the time for all that, you see. In my brief time (9 months) there I couldn't understand what special things they were doing there. At my current place (an actual tier I), they basically do the execute the same transactions without any extra bell and whistles that S&R is so proud of. Of course, that might give S&R the name it has but it kills people like me. The constant pressure and the sleepless nights are next level. Next level! So yeah, this was not the place for me, nor can it be for anyone who cares for more than just being a corporate lawyer.

S&R, like any other place faces challenges. Not all lawyers (or people generally) like the same work culture. Same is the case with all those working/have worked at S&R. Associates leave S&R all the time (just like any other place) for different personal or professional reasons. To survive at S&R, you must have the passion for being a corporate lawyer, otherwise the long hours will at some stage get to you. The reason I have stayed on is because most Partners have a professional approach to work and their general interaction with Associates, the work is top class and because of the continued involvement of Partners in deal making, the training is fantastic. Also, the pay, specially at the junior level is one of the highest (if not the highest) AND yes most importantly, to advance at S&R, I don't need to suck up to a Promoter + family. As much as I have noticed, merit (and a lot of long hours) is the sole criteria for becoming a Partner (which I understand is all equity).